Slideshow: YFCU holds 2015 AGM

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Published:10:32Wednesday 22 April 2015

Over 350 young farmers attended the Association’s AGM and Conference, sponsored by Massey Ferguson, one of the world’s leading tractor brands. The event was held at La Mon Hotel, Belfast.

YFCU put together an informative morning programme for members and delegates from sister organisations Macra na Feirme, the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and Welsh Young Farmers to take part in.

YFCU leadership team

Before embarking on the day’s proceedings, members had an energising workout provided by La Mon Hotel’s Country Club staff. Outgoing President Martyn Blair then welcomed members to the Conference.

Workshops were provided by the RAF Reserves and Action Mental Health. The RAF Reserves hosted their workshop out on the grounds of La Mon Hotel and County Club, this included an energetic and engaging team working activity. The RAF Reserves are a new sponsor with YFCU and the members engaged with the RAF staff with vigour and enthusiasm, the YFCU look forward to future activities with the RAF Reserves.

Action Mental Health held an indoor session which saw members interacting with one another and discussing mental health in a way that highlight the stigmas attached to mental health and allowed the members to engage and interact with one another on issues surrounding mental health.

YFCU launched their new social media platform Snapchat over the AGM & Conference weekend. This saw members participating in a Snapchat competition in conjunction with Massey Ferguson who provided the Massey Prize to the lucky winner.

The launch was a huge success and saw members following the clues on snapchat with the #MasseysClues. The winner was Brooks Allen, YFCU Vice President and member of Collone YFC. He will receive a £50 voucher from Massey Ferguson and a Massey Ferguson Fleece; he will pick up his prize from his nearest Massey Ferguson dealer, Alan Milne Tractors.

The Association’s most eagerly awaited competition also took place just prior to the AGM. Three clubs had made it through to the final of the Ulster Farm Club of the Year competition. Ballywalter YFC, Randalstown YFC and Cappagh YFC all had the opportunity to present to the audience, in the form of a short video presentation on how their club would recruit new members.

After a nervous wait, Randalstown YFC were announced as winners and received the Ulster Farm Club of the Year Cup. The Club of the Year competition was established in 2012 in memory of former YFCU General Secretary Arthur McAllister.

During the AGM in the afternoon, the presidential team for 2015/16 was announced. Roberta Simmons was elected into the position of President of the Association and James Speers, (Collone YFC) was elected to the position of Deputy President.

This year the positions of Vice President went to Brooks Allen, (Collone YFC), Zita Blair, (Moneymore YFC), Harry Crosby, (Spa YFC) and Andrew Little, (Lisbellaw YFC), who was voted in for his second term as YFCU Vice President.

The YFCU would like to thank Massey Ferguson for their sponsorship of the AGM and Conference, La Mon Country Club staff for the energising workout and all of those who delivered the workshops to our members.